For the Visionaries & Creators

Sanctuary, Study, and Studio Immersions

The EC programs are designed for artists who seek to decouple from the superficial noise of the modern world and anchor themselves back into deep, substantive practice. This is a space of organic communion—where the shared energy of creators, nature, and the local community feeds your work.

Imagine creative immersion: working in a dedicated studio, walking through our urban farm and cutting gardens, and drawing inspiration from the seasonal rhythms and natural light of the compound. We have expanded our pathways to ensure every artist can find their sanctuary here.

The Fully Funded Artist-in-Residence (AiR) Experience

The EC Artist-in-Residence program is designed for artists who want to step away from the noise of the everyday and dive deep into their practice. This is a space of “organic communion”—where the shared energy of creators, nature, and the local community feeds your work.

• Fully Funded Residencies: Our ultimate mission is to fuel your practice. Through our non-profit funding model, The EC Residency is fully funded—meaning there is zero attendance cost to the awarded artists*.

*some restrictions apply; see FAQ and Rules & Regs

• Premium Studio Supplies: We are currently designing our spaces with the high hope and anticipation of partnering with Enkaustikos, Ampersand, Natural Pigments, and Golden to ensure your studio is fully stocked with world-class, premium mediums and paints.

• The Schedule: We host two artists for each intensive two-week periods in May and October.

Upcoming Application Cycles:

• May 10-24, 2027: Applications open October 2026

• October 2027: Applications open January 2027

Ready to find your focus? 

Creatively Curated Independent Residencies

For the artist who needs immediate, self-directed sanctuary outside of our traditional application cycles, we now offer Independent Residencies during our off-weeks. This self-funded path allows you to intentionally invest in your own development. You design the timeline and focus of your stay, gaining private access to our restorative studio spaces and grounds. It is a rare opportunity to gift yourself uninterrupted time and space, with 100% of your residency investment directly sustaining our non-profit mission.

Host a Workshop or Class

Bring your curriculum to life. The Carriage House is fully equipped with flexible seating, sturdy worktables, and excellent light, making it a welcoming hub for hands-on learning. We offer affordable hourly rates, half-day or full-day rentals, and collaborative revenue-share options to help independent educators thrive.

• Ideal for: Mixed media, painting, printmaking, fiber arts, dyeing and sculpting immersives, specialized artisan crafts, and creative masterclasses.

Book a Project Completion Intensive

Sometimes your current studio space just isn’t big enough for the final push. If you are preparing for an exhibition, managing a heavy production run, or working on a deconstructed/reconstructed installation that requires serious floor space and zero distractions, you can rent the Carriage House for independent production.

• Ideal for: Artists needing short-term workspace to assemble, lay out, or finalize a project.

The Rebirth: Wax, In Winter, at The EC

After a brief hibernation, our beloved three-year tradition is returning home with a renewed spirit. The last week of January each year marks the return of our signature WinterWax week-long intensive: now-Wax, In Winter. This retreat is an intimate, deep dive into the quiet power of winter studio practice. It is a dedicated space for profound technical exploration and warm community when the physical world outside slows down.

Looking Forward: Guest Instructor Retreats (Launching 2028)

Beginning in 2028, we are throwing the doors open to a carefully curated lineup of master guest instructors spanning varied artistic mediums. These medium-specific retreats will offer rigorous, high-level instruction designed to expand your creative vocabulary and challenge your technical boundaries within the supportive ecosystem of the compound.

For the Patrons & Champions

Join the Foundation. Build the Legacy.

True cultural movements require architectural foundations. If you believe that art and creative ecosystems are not luxuries but are essential to the human spirit and the cultivation of an intentional society, we invite you to merge your equity with ours.

Between 2015 and 2020, we proved the power of this communal model. International artists came to the EC and left richer, more grounded, and deeply woven into Lexington’s unique creative pulse. Now, at this rebirthing of the program, your contribution directly builds the operational runway to bring this fully funded experience back to life, for life. It is in integral to establishing a counter-weight of beauty and depth in the world today.

Because of our newly minted non-profit status, 100% of your financial investment is tax-deductible. There are two distinct ways to champion this vision today-

5×5 Foundation Circle & Studio Sponsorships

We are seeking foundational partners—cultural advocates, business leaders, and philanthropic visionaries—to provide the critical stability required to scale our infrastructure, maintain our historic facilities, and anchor this creative oasis for the long haul.

To deeply root this foundation, your investment directly funds either a dedicated, year-long creative studio space for a talented local Lexington artist, or our Artist-in-Residence program. Your support goes the extra mile to either ensure Lexington can welcome a global community of rotating residents, or grow more deeply, our own homegrown creative voices through having a permanent, fully funded sanctuary to layer, build, and sustain their practices where otherwise they may be unable.

• The 5×5 Foundation Circle ($5,000/year for 5 years): For visionaries looking to secure the long-term legacy. This multi-year commitment provides the sustainable operational runway needed to anchor our community oasis for generations.

• The Annual Studio Sponsorship ($5,000 for 1 year): For champions who want to make an immediate, tangible impact. This single-year gift fully funds and sponsors a dedicated studio space for a local working artist for one entire calendar year.

Want a seat at the table and a direct hand in rooting Lexington’s artistic legacy? Review our comprehensive Business Plan and contact us directly at pbsartist@gmail.com to explore a partnership.

Oasis of peace, color, freedom – that’s my studio at the EncaustiCastle. I love coming to work! Just by walking in the door, I feel better.

A designated workspace is imperative for any creative person. and the EncaustiCastle provides that need with spaces suitable for a variety of creative expressions. The community here is supportive and interested. 

The EncaustiCastle has space. Space to pursue ideas and visions. Space to learn and grow. Space for community, with an assortment of experiences and support. Space to walk the grounds, visit flowers and fruits, distract oneself or refocus. Space for creation or to just be.

Artist, Marta Dorton